Phytoconstituents from Vitex agnus-castus fruits

A new labdane-diterpene, viteagnusin I (1), together with 23 known phytoconstituents were isolated from the fruits of Vitex agnus-castus L, and their structures characterized by spectroscopic methods (NMR and MS). The known compounds include ten flavonoids, five terpenoids, three neolignans, and four phenolic compounds, as well as one glyceride. Biological evaluation identified apigenin, 3-methylkaempferol, luteolin, and casticin as weak ligands of delta and mu opioid receptors, exhibiting dose-dependent receptor binding.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideViteagnusin I and 23 other phytoconstituents from the fruits of Vitex agnus‐castus were characterized; apigenin, 3‐methylkaempferol, luteolin, and casticin are weak, dose‐dependent ligands of delta and mu opioid receptors.